NEWS

FCT, Lagos, Ogun Communities Ignore Lockdown Order

Published

6 years ago

April 6, 2020

Residents of some communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun and Lagos states on Sunday violated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’ s ( retd. ) lockdown order .

On Saturday and Sunday, our correspondents in the FCT observed that although there was compliance with the order within the Abuja metropolis , residents of its suburbs , who cited hunger , went out contrary to the government ’ s directive .

In Ogun State , the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako- Oyedele , in a statement on Sunday, decried the level of compliance in the Ado -Odo /Ota Local Government Area .
Residents of Lagos areas such as Iyana -Ipaja , Ketu and Alapare cited hunger for violating the lockdown.

The President had , in a nationwide broadcast on February 29, imposed 14- day lockdown on the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states to curb the spread of COVID- 19 cases, which increased to 232 on Sunday.

Security men disperse traders at Kuje market
In the FCT , security personnel consisting of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps officials chased away traders from Kuje market in the Kuje Area Council on Sunday.

One of our correspondents, who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm, observed that while the market was locked , traders displayed their goods at its entrance .
On sighting the security men, some traders took to their heels and abandoned their wares which included clothes , food and cosmetics .

However , the security men were civil with those who had the courage to stay behind . They appealed to the traders to respect the sit- at – home order .

A barber, who gave his name simply as Tunde, was working in his shop not far away from the market .

He told The PUNCH that security men regularly patrolled the area to enforce the order.

He said , “ The security officials, especially policemen, have been coming here very often. Some of them insist that I close my shop , but others allow me after convincing them that mine is an essential service . ”
Okada riders defy lockdown order in Kubwa

Commercial motorcycle riders , popularly known as okada in Kubwa , one of the major satellite towns in Abuja , defied the lockdown.

Okada riders were seen in most of the streets in Kubwa on Sunday, as they moved passengers from one location to another .
On the Arab Road , Byazhim, Kubwa Village Market , among other areas, for instance, the riders transported passengers who patronised them.

On why he was not obeying the lockdown , a rider , Umar Gambo , told one of our correspondents that it “ was difficult” for him to stay indoor continuously because he needed to fend for his family.

The rate of compliance in Bwari on Sunday was not as high as it was when the lockdown started last week.
One of our correspondents, who went around Bwari between 1pm and 2pm, observed that many shops, markets , filling stations and pharmacies were opened .
Unlike the first two days when the roads were almost empty, there were movements of vehicles and commercial motorcycles .
Taxi drivers devise means of flouting order
Taxi drivers in the FCT , particularly in the Dei- Dei and Zuba areas, started work on Sunday

The PUNCH observed many taxi drivers resorted to wearing face masks and conveyed three passengers on the back seats, while squeezing two others in front .
In Zuba , it was observed that the drivers had increased their fares . It was gathered that they bribed policemen in order to operate, particularly from late afternoon and evening .

“ We cannot stay at home . We have to eat . We should wear face masks. I think that is enough. Some of the policemen are cooperative . They also understand that we cannot survive without working, ” a driver, Sanni Ahmed, said .

Hunger preventing us from observing lockdown – Lagos residents
Residents of communities in Lagos State told The PUNCH that hunger was responsible for their noncompliance with the lockdown .

While some residents observed the stay – home- order, others, including commercial motorists, were seen flouting the directive. They cited different reasons including hunger and illnesses when accosted by law enforcement agents.

When asked why she decided to disobey the stay – home directive , one Iya Rukayat , a bag seller in Ketu , said hunger prompted her to display her bags for sale. She added that she fed her family from her daily income.

She said , “ At first , I observed the order, but it got to a point that there was no money to feed my family, so I had to come out to sell my bags. I just started displaying my goods this morning and I have not made any sale . I cannot just stay at home when my family is hungry .”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, another resident of the Alapere, said she had not benefitted from the foodstuffs donated by state government .
At Berger, Iyana -Ipaja . Igando, Iba, Iyana- Iba and Mile 2, motorcyclists , ( Okada); tricyclists ( Keke ) and traders were seen working without being disturbed by security men .

Ogun street urchins, cultists defy lockdown
In Ogun State, street urchins, cultists and some traders defied the sit-at – home order.
The lockdown, which commenced in the state on Friday night, recorded substantial compliance in many parts , but some residents of Sango – Ota and Ewekoro did not stay at home
Some miscreants in Ota defied the restriction of movement in the area while scrambling for foodstuffs donated by the state government .

An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the miscreants besieged the Ado -Odo / Ota Local Government headquarters following an announcement that foodstuffs would be shared in the place.

According to the source , the miscreants ran amok when they failed to get their share of the foodstuffs .

The deputy governor , in a statement by her press officer, Seun Boye, frowned upon the poor level of compliance by some residents of the local government area.
She was said to be on an assessment of the Ado – Odo / Ota and the Yewa South Local Government areas.

She said , “ On the violators, I have met with Ota Area ( police ) commander on my way and let me reiterate that the law must be obeyed and nobody would be spared.
“ We will also continue to engage our law enforcement agencies to make sure that they support us to be able to achieve our mission. ”

Also, the cultists in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state defied the restriction of movements in the area when they clashed.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident , said the cultists made a mess of the order.

He said the clash between two rival groups claimed one life. He added that four people had been arrested.

Source:- Punch ng

NEWS

SOUNDOUTTV in Collaboration with COBYL CITY – Unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 with Over ₦900,000+ in Career-Boosting Prizes for emerging artists.

Published

5 days ago

July 23, 2026

Baba Blow

Aspiring artists across Delta State have another opportunity to showcase their talent as SOUNDOUTTV officially unveils SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2, the second edition of its online music talent competition.

View this post on Instagram

With over ₦900,000+ in career-boosting prizes, industry exposure, and artist development opportunities up for grabs, this year’s edition is set to spotlight some of the state’s most promising emerging talents.

COBYL CITY joins this second edition as the official production partner behind the competition beat and select artist development rewards. The official competition beat, produced by Berry IV for COBYL CITY LTD, will be released on August 1, 2026, officially opening the competition.

Known for its growing commitment to talent development and creative excellence, COBYL CITY’s contribution extends beyond the competition itself, giving contestants access to professional production opportunities that reward not only performance but also artistic potential.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Participants are invited to record either a freestyle or an original song using the official competition beat, giving artists a platform to showcase their creativity, originality, and performance skills before a wider audience.

Prize Packages

The SOUNDOUT LIVE Champion will receive an outstanding artist development package, including:
• Official Champion Award
• Professional Performance Session
• Artist Interview and Introduction Video
• Professional Photo Session
• Short Visualizer by P-YoungsMedia
• Exclusive Beat License by COBYL CITY LTD
• Professional Studio Recording Session by COBYL CITY
• Free 24-Hour Hotel Accommodation
• Customized Champion Merchandise
• Additional Gifts from Sponsors

The second-place winner will receive a professional performance package, customized merchandise, and an official Certificate of Achievement, while the third-place winner will receive a performance session and featured artist interview.

How to Participate

Eligible artists in Delta State can enter by:
• Downloading the official competition beat on August 1, 2026
• Recording a freestyle or original song
• Creating a performance video
• Posting the video on Instagram or TikTok, tagging @soundouttv
• Submitting the same entry through the official SOUNDOUT WhatsApp Group

Only one official entry is permitted per contestant.

Fair Competition. Real Opportunities.

Voting will be conducted exclusively through the official SOUNDOUT LIVE voting platform. Each supporter may cast up to 33 votes per contestant, while any attempt to manipulate votes or violate the competition rules will result in immediate disqualification.

More than just a competition, SOUNDOUT LIVE Edition 2 is designed to spotlight emerging talent and create genuine pathways into the music industry. As part of its collaboration, COBYL CITY powers the official competition beat, produced by Berry IV, and contributes exclusive production rewards for the competition’s eventual winner.

Important Dates
• Official Beat Release: August 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: To Be Announced
• Public Voting: Opens After Submissions

With the official beat dropping on August 1, anticipation is building for another exciting edition of SOUNDOUT LIVE. Artists are encouraged to follow @soundouttv, prepare their entries, and seize the opportunity to gain valuable exposure, professional development, and industry recognition.

Let the Talent Shine. Let the Fans Decide.

ARTICLES

Exclusive Interview with BabaBellz on Enjoyment Night & New Singles

Published

6 days ago

July 22, 2026

Baba Blow

The Nigerian music scene continues to witness the rise of versatile and intentional artists, and one name that has consistently stayed true to his craft is BabaBellz. Known for his dynamic sound, deep lyrical expression, and ability to switch seamlessly between Afro vibes, hip-hop, and inspirational music, BabaBellz is steadily carving a unique identity in the industry.

From the journey of his project R2GTheAlbum (Road To Glory) to the release of his latest dual singles “Enjoy” and “Mama’s Prayer”, the talented artist has proven that he is not just about making music, but about delivering messages that connect with real-life experiences.
While “Mama’s Prayer” touches the heart with emotional depth and appreciation for motherly love, “Enjoy” brings a vibrant Afro sound that encourages fans to celebrate life, hustle hard, and live their dreams. This duality perfectly showcases BabaBellz’s creative range and his commitment to making meaningful music for different moods and audiences.

In this exclusive interview with Blow Naija Media, BabaBellz opens up about his musical journey, the inspiration behind his recent releases, and his highly anticipated event “Enjoyment Night with BabaBellz”, set to celebrate both his birthday and his growing fanbase.

He also shares insights into the challenges of the music industry, his motivation to keep pushing forward, and why consistency, faith, and purpose are key to success.

Read the full interview below as BabaBellz gives us a closer look into his world, his music, and what fans should expect next.

Enjoyment Night with BabaBellz

INTRODUCTION

Blow Naija Media:
Hello BabaBellz, how’s life? Family and music?

BabaBellz:
Hello… beautiful people. Life’s good, famz doing great and music (smiles)… we pushing it.

ON HIS MUSICAL JOURNEY & CONSISTENCY

Blow Naija Media:
We want to have a quick conversation with you about your music life. From the kickstart of R2GTheAlbum (Road To Glory) to your latest dual singles “Enjoy” and “Mama’s Prayer”, how have you been able to keep pushing and never relent on this musical energy and great vibes?

BabaBellz:
Firstly, I have to return all the glory back to the Almighty God for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding He gave me in this entertainment life.

I’m not gonna lie to you, it’s not easy… the time, the late-night meditations, the pen game, studio sessions, the ups and downs, even the way Nigerian and African music is evolving, it’s not an easy task. But like the wise ones always say: never give up.

I guess that’s one of the major reasons why I keep going and never look back. God has been faithful to me, I won’t lie about that. Glory be to God.

ON “MAMA’S PRAYER” & “ENJOY” INSPIRATION

Blow Naija Media:
Wow, that sounds amazing. Now let’s talk about your dual single before we move to your event “Enjoyment Night with BabaBellz.”

What inspired you to create two different genres? “Mama’s Prayer” is emotional and deeply touching, while “Enjoy” is a vibrant Afro sound. We’ve seen you do something similar during your “My Sound” era. So what inspired these two beautiful records?

BabaBellz:
Well… my major goal is to make people understand something about me after I dropped my last album MY SOUND. If you listen to that project very well, you’ll understand what I’m trying to point out, I can make different kinds of sounds.

I’m not saying I’m the best, but with the grace of God, I know I can make good music. Look at songs like Ghetto Breed, Spirit of a Hustler, IDGAF About You, those are international hip-hop standards that even people overseas play daily.

Now bring it down to songs like Kilofe, You, Bend Over, Sisi Caro, these are 100% Afro sounds, expressions of love, beautiful music that makes women feel special, club bangers, and vacation vibes.

Then you have Afro-Adura and inspirational songs like Blessings, Bless My Way, Hustle Mi, etc.

To cut it short, don’t be surprised by any kind of sound you hear from me. My sounds can be zig-zag, but the main thing is you’ll always understand what I’m saying and where I’m coming from.

I don’t just jump on the mic and say random things. My songs are a reflection of how I think and feel at that moment. But I’m also conscious that artists have a responsibility to the masses, so I watch what I say.

“Mama’s Prayer” is to appreciate all good mothers and remind everyone that a mother’s love is priceless and can never be replaced.

“Enjoy” is for people to dance, groove, and understand that enjoyment is part of life. Make money and enjoy life. Don’t just dance — chase your goals, achieve your dreams, and live good.

Because if I make my money, I will definitely enjoy my life.

ABOUT “ENJOYMENT NIGHT WITH BABABELLZ”

Blow Naija Media:
What is your event “Enjoyment Night” all about?

BabaBellz:
Well… as we all know, July 31st is my birthday. I haven’t always celebrated it the way many entertainers do, like hosting big events. I usually celebrate with close friends and family.

But this time, I chose to celebrate with people who truly cherish my music and my craft. Considering the current economic situation, I decided not to sell tables or create VIP sections. Everyone supporting the BellzExpressions brand is automatically a VVIP to me.

I just want people to come out, celebrate my music and birthday with me. It’s nothing too complicated, just a night of love, appreciation, and music… a night specially made for BabaBellz.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE EVENT

Blow Naija Media:
Are we expecting any big artists at the event? And what more should fans look forward to?

BabaBellz:
Yes, of course. But like I said earlier, everyone supporting my brand is big to me. It’s not easy for someone to genuinely support you without incentives.

There will be a lot of big personalities, artists, CEOs, top entertainers, DJs, hypemen, MCs, and more. Everybody is welcome.

Just look good, come with positive vibes, buy your drinks, enjoy your chops, and have a great time.

SHOUTOUTS & APPRECIATION

Blow Naija Media:
Would you like to give a shoutout to anyone supporting you?

BabaBellz:
Yes ooo… big shoutout to everyone supporting me, those I know and those I don’t know. From day one supporters, real and fake friends (laughs), they are all part of the journey.

Shoutout to my dad, my mom, my woman, my siblings, DJs, hypemen, show promoters, my brother Blow Naija and his family, my producers and sound engineers, my Uniosun & BPA guys, IB city & Osogbo friends, and all Lagos Island and Mainland homies, maximum respect and love.

CLOSING

Blow Naija Media:
Thank you so much for your time, BabaBellz. Keep shining, keep moving, and never stop making good music for those of us who love great sounds.

BabaBellz:
Sure, all on God… BellzExpressionsMusic for life. Thank you for having me. Jah bless 🙏🤍

MUSIC

Meet Big Ken – The Afro beats Sensation Master Mind Behind the epic singles ( Coco baby, No Face , Cruise, Spiritual Frequencies & Alakija

Published

3 weeks ago

July 7, 2026

Baba Blow

Meet Big Ken – The Afro beats Sensation Master Mind Behind the epic singles ( Coco baby, No Face , Cruise, Spiritual Frequencies & Alakija

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Big Ken whose known offstage as Kenneth Afure Okudi, releases hits debut singles “Coco Baby” “No Face” “Cruise” “Spiritual Frequencies” and Alakija” the fast rising afrobeats singer has being gaining attention. This release has proven his dominance and has amassed millions of streams across all platforms. He’s also focused on his next level of success.